A randomized trial of pocket cards to increase implementation of the 2020 NHLBI asthma guidelines

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-19-2026

Publication Title

The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma

Keywords

Asthma; dissemination; education; implementation science; pocket card

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In 2020, the NHLBI released the Focused Asthma Management Updates. However, awareness, knowledge, and implementation of these guidelines have been inadequate. Here, we evaluate the ability of electronic and print versions of a pocket card containing key recommendations from the NHLBI 2020 Asthma Guideline Update to increase implementation among primary care providers (PCPs).

METHODS: In a prospective, randomized trial, 138 PCPs were given an electronic or print version of a pocket card with information on asthma treatment and management. A knowledge-based survey was provided at baseline, and after 1 month of use of the pocket card, the survey was repeated. Implementation questions at the 1-month follow-up included utilization of the pocket cards, settings in which they were used, and perceived usefulness.

RESULTS: 77 participants (55.8%) completed both baseline and follow-up surveys. At baseline, the mean percent-correct score for the electronic pocket card group was 46.9% and the print-out pocket card group was 42.2%. After the intervention, the scores for both groups improved to 56.7% and 57.3% respectively (p < 0.001 for both groups compared to baseline). There was no significant difference between groups. 71.4% of the electronic and 83.3% of the printed pocket card groups reported that the pocket cards were at least somewhat effective/useful, but only 50% of each group remembered to use the card during clinical encounters.

CONCLUSIONS: Both electronic and printed pocket cards can increase medical knowledge around the Focused Asthma Updates and may be considered as part of an implementation strategy.

PubMed ID

41830541

ePublication

ePub ahead of print

First Page

1

Last Page

8

Find It @ Sladen

Share

COinS